2014-03-31 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                                   31 MARCH 2014


NFPs
Like individuals, Not for Profit (NFP) organisations can play an important role in delivering “on the
ground projects” which assist in achieving the long-term goal of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve
Project. Many existing NFPs are already delivering projects which add to the long term goals of
the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project. They are not all currently doing this within the current
Biosphere Reserve framework and this is not a problem. If NFPs do wish to work within the
future Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project framework, they should be able to do so working with
other organisations, individuals, Sector Boards etc within the project delivery area.

Sector Boards
From the Working Group’s perspective, there is little doubt the Sector Boards can play a
significant part in the success of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project. There is strong support
from within the Working Group for an important ongoing role for the Sector Boards. The Working
Group also wishes to consult further with the Sector Boards for more detailed advice about how
they think they can operate more effectively in the future.

The Working Group notes the following:
 The former Noosa Council originally established four Sector Boards prior to any consideration
   of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve application. The purpose of those Sector Boards was
   originally to provide the then Noosa Council with advice on strategy/direction across a range
   of issues;
 The four Sector Boards provided excellent advice and strategic direction to the former Noosa
   Council. The Sector Boards continued after that time undertaking a range of activities and
   projects that contributed greatly to the Noosa community; and
 Over the years, the Sector Boards have been able to attract outstanding volunteers who have
   dedicated significant time and effort to advancing issues in the Noosa community. The
   current Sector Boards are populated by passionate, dedicated and focused individuals.

In relation to the future of the Sector Boards, the Working Group suggests:
   The Sector Boards could have more autonomy to undertake their own activities. For example,
    there should be no reason why the Sector Boards cannot undertake their own community
    forums to gather ideas for advancing the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project vision;
   The Sector Boards could deliver “on the ground” projects either on their own accord or
    working in partnership with others;
   The Sector Boards could seek their own funding to deliver their own projects where those
    projects align with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project vision;
   The Sector Boards could be supported with ongoing administrative resources that can assist
    with co-ordination of projects and linking the Sector Boards to both the Strategy role and
    other community based organisations and partners who can work together to deliver real
    outcomes that advance the vision of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project; and
   The Sector Boards could continue to provide long term strategy advice to Noosa Council.

Further, the Working Group wishes to seek further input from the Sector Boards about the
following issues:
   Is the current number and mix of Sector Boards the best approach to achieve the objectives
    of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve? Could some of the existing Boards be combined to create
    better synergies?
   Do the current Boards align with the vision for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Project? Can
    there be a better alignment?
   Is the name “Sector Board” still the best name or should it be changed to something else?
    What do the Sector Board members think these groups should be called?


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